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Just Imagine...

Spring makes one sit up and take notice and perhaps even see things a little differently. Like a change in season, books can help readers explore familiar topics in new ways, see things from fresh perspectives, or even think about doing things another way. Meet prehistoric trucks, see how buttons and feathers (and other stuff) come together for a special picture day, decide how long your string is, and what thingamabobs or sticks or boxes can accomplish. All it takes is a bit of imagination — a great gift all year long!

Dinotrux

By: Chris Gall

Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, Science Fiction

Age Level: 6-9

Reading Level: Independent Reader

Millions of years ago, huge, hungry prehistoric 'dinotrux' ruled the world. A terrible storm caused some dinotrux to seek better weather. Those that shed their "misbehaving ways" over the millennia are still on the job today. This imaginative take on trucks and dinosaurs is sure to make readers young and old view subjects anew while making them laugh out loud.

It's Picture Day Today!

By: Megan McDonald, Katherine Tilletson

Genre: Fiction

Age Level: 3-6

Reading Level: Beginning Reader

When feathers and buttons (and more) come together in school they just may make something quite special: an amazing, creative picture! Rhythmic language, playful collage and a host of inanimate but animated characters make a picture on a double foldout to conclude this inventive tale. It may just inspire additional handiwork by young artists!

Just How Long Can a Long String Be?!

By: Keith Baker

Genre: Fiction

Age Level: 6-9

Reading Level: Independent Reader

A small ant asks a bird how long a long string can be. Many varied uses are explored as the bird unwinds the string in answer until the ant decides that a "string's just as long/as I need it to be." The white string leads readers across textured pastel pages until we see the ant on its own small string tree swing.

My Elephant

By: Petr Horacek

Genre: Fiction

Age Level: 3-6

Reading Level: Beginning Reader

A boy's imaginary friend — a large gray elephant — messes up his grandfather's flowers and neat indoor hall when no one else will play with the child. The next day, when the boy awakens refreshed, all is forgotten when granddad offers to play ball. Child-like illustrations add to this appealing tale of a child’s need for friends and friendship.

Not a Box

By: Antoinette Portis

Genre: Fiction

Age Level: 3-6

Reading Level: Beginning Reader

When is a brown box not a box? When it's being used by a small rabbit as a racecar, a mountain, or a burning building being rescued by the fire fighter, of course! Straightforward illustrations and minimal language convey the power of imagination and play in this contemporary classic.

Something to Do

By: David Lucas

Genre: Fiction, Fantasy

Age Level: 3-6

Reading Level: Beginning Reader

A cub is bored, claiming there's nothing to do. Together with an adult bear, they are awakened by a jumping cub, go on a walk, find a stick, and share an imaginative adventure until they return home for a cozy welcome. Spare text and simple line drawings on creamy paper make this fresh jaunt, and a book to be shared more than once.

The Quiet Book

By: Deborah Underwood

Illustrated by: Renata Liwska

Genre: Fiction

Age Level: 3-6

Reading Level: Beginning Reader

How many kinds of quiet are there? More than you might think beginning with the "First one awake quiet" to "Sound asleep quiet". Readers will recognize the different situations (brought to life by expressively illustrated animals) and may even come up with their own brand of quiet.

The Thingamabob

By: Il Sung Na

Genre: Fiction

Age Level: 0-3

Reading Level: Pre-Reader

An elephant finds an intriguing red thingamabob but neither he nor his friends can figure out what it does — until it begins to rain. Children will recognize the red thing immediately and are sure to delight in the animals' process of discovery and invention. Textured illustration with gentle lines brings this engaging, imaginative tale alive.

The Yellow Tutu

By: Kirsten Bransen

Illustrated by: Carin Bransen

Genre: Fiction

Age Level: 6-9

Reading Level: Independent Reader

Her classmates laugh when Margo becomes the sun with her new yellow birthday tutu worn as a headdress. That is, until her friend, Pearl, comes to the rescue, recognizing the playful potential and dons her pink tutu similarly. Fanciful, engaging illustrations capture the child’s world, enhancing this recognizable story.

Where Is My Sock?

By: Marijke ten Cate

Genre: Fiction

Age Level: 3-6

Reading Level: Beginning Reader

After his bath, a young boy, clean but without clothes, must get dressed. Each garment he seeks is hidden on playful, action-packed double page spreads until the boy — and his friends — are dressed to go outside. Child-like activities and imaginative play are sure to remind readers of all ages that play requires only a bit of inventiveness.